Checking your teeth to the doctor is important to maintain healthy teeth and mouth

Caring for dental health is a form of action that is responsible for your own health. Apart from taking care of your teeth independently, having your teeth checked by the doctor is one way to ensure the health of your teeth. Don't wait for a toothache to arrive to make a visit to the doctor.

Why is regular dental check up to the doctor important?

Regardless of the frequency of examinations performed, regular dental check-ups are still considered important.

During a dental examination, the doctor can check for signs or symptoms of oral health problems, teeth, and your gums that have not been detected so far.

After knowing these new signs, you can discuss with your dentist about what to do. Either reduce dental problems by undergoing healthier and more hygienic dental care yourself or returning to the dentist for basic care.

How to determine a regular schedule for dental examinations to the doctor?

In general, the schedule for dental check-ups to the doctor is carried out regularly every 6 months. However, everyone actually needs a different check schedule.

The schedule for checking with the dentist varies greatly, starting from once every 3 months to once every 2 years. This variation is also adjusted to the risk that the dentist has calculated for your dental health problems in the future.

The dentist will advise you when to check your teeth according to the condition of your dental health.

What should the dentist know about your condition?

You have to be really open to the dentist about your health both in general and specifically on the teeth. This is necessary for doctors because they need to know the medical background that you have.

For example, if you have diabetes, your dentist will need to prescribe a different anesthetic procedure. You don't need to worry because all health information will be kept confidential.

You can also take advantage of visiting the doctor as a solution to cure phobias in dentists. Sharing about your concerns can make the conditions for a dental check-up visit more comfortable.

What happens when you check your teeth?

Common things that are usually done during a dental examination by a dentist are:

Dental examination

• The doctor will ask about your general health condition and other problems related to your teeth, mouth, and gums at your last dental check-up visit.
• Checking the condition of the teeth, gums, and mouth directly. Starting from whether there are cavities or not, is there plaque that sticks to your teeth and checks the gaps between the gums and teeth.
• The dentist will also examine the tongue, throat, face, and neck for signs of swelling, as well as for signs that indicate oral cancer.
• Provide advice on lifestyle and lifestyle that can be related to oral and dental health, such as diet, smoking, alcohol use, and teeth cleaning habits.
• Discuss the schedule for the next dental check up.

Teeth scaling and cleaning

Usually, the doctor will also perform scaling and cleaning of the teeth during the examination. This treatment helps in removing dental plaque and prevents gum disease.

Dentists and medical professionals will usually use special instruments such as ultrasonic scalers to perform deep cleaning above and below the gum line and remove larger tartar but without significant pain.

After everything is done, the surface that has been cleaned will be polished to remove stains on the teeth.

Polishing is assisted by using a type of low-speed handheld tool that in turn rotates a mixture of abrasive and fluoride toothpaste to produce smooth and shiny teeth.

Will the doctor do a dental x-ray at every visit?

X-rays can sometimes be taken by a dentist while an examination is in progress or as preparation for dental work.

X-rays can help the doctor to see and reach the areas between the teeth and gums that are difficult to see directly.

Although the radiation dose on a dental X-ray is relatively small, doctors will still take this action if it is really necessary. Dental x-rays are also avoided by doctors for pregnant women and children.

What happens after the dental exam is over?

After all the steps of the examination have been completed, the dentist will discuss recommendations for further treatment.

The doctor will also provide important directions for maintaining the health of your teeth and mouth, such as how to brush your teeth properly, dietary techniques and nutrition that is still required, the amount of alcohol consumption that is allowed, to smoking habits.

If you find problems with your teeth, you need to do another visit according to the agreed schedule.

Several reasons why you need to check your teeth to the doctor regularly

Pain

The first sign which is the main basis is when the appearance of pain or swelling in the teeth, mouth, face, or neck.

Swollen gums

This sign can be seen easily, especially when the bleeding starts when you brush your teeth.

Not confident with teeth

This sign usually appears because you have a problem with missing teeth or are just not confident about the shape of your teeth. Don't be shy about consulting your dentist on this.

Certain dental treatments

If you have previously performed treatments such as filling your teeth, placing crowns, dental implants, or installing dentures, then you will need to visit the dentist regularly to make sure everything is still okay.

Another health issue occurred

Don't hesitate to consult your dentist if you have certain health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, to HIV positive.

Also consult about other health treatments you are currently doing before checking your teeth, such as chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy.

When pregnant

In fact, pregnancy can make dental health problems worse. Having a dental check-up while pregnant is safe, so don't hesitate to stick with your regular dental check-ups.

Having trouble eating

Having trouble chewing or swallowing food? Well, this is the time you need to visit the dentist for an examination.

Before making the visit, it is a good idea to eat softer foods such as porridge until the scheduled dental exam.

Dry mouth

Always feel like your mouth is dry causing discomfort? Maybe you are experiencing oral health problems or the effects of certain medications. Immediately handle it by going to the dentist.

Using tobacco

Tobacco use or excessive smoking can lead to bad breath and mouth cancer. That's because smoking is harmful to your dental health and overall health.

Jaw pain

Make an appointment with a dentist immediately if your jaw hurts when you open and close your mouth, chew, or even wake up.

Spotting and sores around the mouth

If you have pain in a sore such as canker sores that have been in your mouth for more than a week, the dentist will need to check the cause.

The types of thrush vary widely, both in severity and in their causes. Thrush can be a symptom of a disease or disorder such as infection from bacteria, viruses or fungi, and as a result of irritation from braces, dentures, or the sharp edges of broken teeth and fillings.

When is a good time for children to check their teeth to the doctor?

The routine schedule recommended for children to check their teeth at the doctor is almost the same as the routine schedule for adults. But again, it all depends on the needs and health of your child's teeth and mouth.

The Australian National Oral Health Plan and the FDI World Dental Federation recommend that children have their first dental checkup before 2 years of age.

In addition to finding out undetected dental and oral problems in children, regular visits to the dentist from an early age can help children to be more comfortable and less afraid of dentists.

Is it safe to have a dental check-up during pregnancy?

Checking during pregnancy is safe and important for the health of your teeth and mouth. Refrain from visiting the dentist will actually worsen the condition of your dental health.

The American Dental Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics all also encourage women to get dental care while pregnant.

The dentist will actively ask you about prescription and nonprescription drugs that you usually use. This information can help doctors choose pain relievers or antibiotics that can be consumed for those of you who are pregnant.